FG to establish referral veterinary hospital in Abuja

THE Federal Government has concluded plans to establish a referral veterinary hospital in the nation’s capital, Abuja, to tackle serious animal diseases across the country and other African countries.

This was disclosed to Vanguard by the Registrar, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, VCN, Dr. Markus Avong, who said the establishment of the hospital will enhance performance and productivity of veterinarians, and will reduce animal diseases.

Avong said the project has a three year rolling plan, which will be completed in 2015, and also captured in the 2013 budget for execution.

Avong said: “We have the drawing of the proposed referral veterinary hospital, and it is a three-year rolling plan from 2012-2015, and it was captured in the budget of the Federal Government in 2013, and we are already working hard to meet what is required for us to obtain the approval of the Department of Development Control for the construction. The project will start in 2013, and will be completed in 2015.

“Already an allocation has been made for the project in this year’s budget because it has gone beyond mere proposal, and it is the greatest modality taken. I would not go into the details of the amount of money budgeted for the project because an advert has been placed for the project, and whatsoever we are budgeting should remain with us and I do not want to make it public for now.

“Nigeria being a country with strong involvement in veterinary services in Africa, we hope with time we will offer veterinary services to other African countries.